Lautaro Martinez, Emi Martinez, Declan Rice: Mauricio Pochettino’s five-man Chelsea transfer shortlist – Paper Round

Poch’s transfer shortlist revealed

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be announced as the new permanent manager of Chelsea and he has already presented his top targets to the club ahead of the summer transfer window. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain coach is targeting a new striker, a goalkeeper and a midfielder. The club will face fierce competition for his targets, but Pochettino is keen on improving his options at Stamford Bridge.

“Another compatriot Pochettino is eyeing up is Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez. West Ham captain Declan Rice is another target of Pochettino’s as he looks set to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.

“Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister is the fifth and final man on Pochettino’s hitlist.”

No Real need for Mbappe

Real Madrid have ended their long-term pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, despite recent rumours that the club could launch a summer bid for the French forward. Los Blancos believe they have a top talent in Vinicius Junior so there is no need to target Mbappe, who publicly decided against joining Real Madrid last summer when he signed a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain.

“There is no room for speculation ahead of the 2023 summer transfer window, but not because of last year’s affront.

“It is a sporting-economic strategy as on the sporting side, and respecting the Frenchman as much as possible, they consider that right now Vinicius Junior is above or at least performing better than the Frenchman, as demonstrated game after game, with the Champions League final within reach.”

Martinez set for pay rise

Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez is expected to receive a bumper pay rise after impressing during his debut season in the Premier League. The Argentine only joined United last summer from Ajax, but he has quickly become a fan favourite. It is reported that Martinez will be rewarded with a new contract, which will take his weekly wage to £170,000 per week.

“Ten Hag wants to recognise Martinez’s elevated status in the Manchester United squad with a salary that matches it.

“Martinez, who joined from Ajax for £55million last summer, currently earns £120,000-a-week and his contract runs until 2027.”

European giants chase ‘new Pogba’

Manchester City have entered the race to sign 18-year-old Cher Ndour, who has been dubbed as the ‘new Paul Pogba’. The Italian wonderkid is currently playing for Benfica, but his contract expires in the summer and a number of top European sides are ready to battle for his signature.

“SunSport understands that City scouts have been watching him closely in action for both Benfica and Italy’s Under-20 side.

“Ndour will be out of contract in the summer and so available without a transfer fee, although training compensation will be payable to Benfica and former club Atalanta.”